System and method for sheltering individuals in a hazardous environment

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a mobile, modular emergency shelter which contains adequate breathable air cylinders connected to full face air masks, food, water, and first aid/medical supplies to enable a predetermined number of individuals (up to sixteen individuals in one embodiment) to survive and shelter in place in a hazardous environment, such as an underground mine containing toxic air secondary to explosions, fires, roof falls, or flooding, for a predetermined time period (up to four to five days in one embodiment) while awaiting rescue.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to mine safety systems, moreparticularly, relates to emergency shelters capable of providingadequate breathable air to enable individuals to survive and shelter inplace in a hazardous environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Under the best of circumstances, the mining of coal and other mineralscan be a very hazardous occupation. This is particularly true of thoseindustries that extract minerals from beneath the surface of the earth.The very environment is alien to the human species.

There are the dangers of roof falls, rib rolls, the accumulation ofmethane, and the hazards associated with man's efforts to extract thecoal: death or injury by being crushed by mining equipment, byelectrocution, by inhalation of coal dust, by inhalation of rock dust,and by the concussion of dust/methane explosions and the replacement ofbreathable air with carbon monoxide subsequent to an explosion. Thereare even complications associated with carbon dioxide buildup in minersself contained self rescue devices. The recent coal mine tragedies inWest Virginia, Kentucky, Mexico and China have brought to light againthe extreme hazard of extracting coal from beneath the surface of theearth.

As such, there is a need for a system and method capable of sustainingthe lives of miners while they await rescue . . . a period of time thatcan, and usually does, stretch into days.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a mobile, modular emergency shelter(termed a “Lifepod”) which contains adequate breathable air cylindersconnected to full face air masks, food, water, and first aid/medicalsupplies to enable a predetermined number of individuals (up to sixteenindividuals in one embodiment) to survive and shelter in place in ahazardous environment, such as an underground mine containing toxic airsecondary to explosions, fires, roof falls, or flooding, for apredetermined time period (up to four to five days in one embodiment)while awaiting rescue.

In one embodiment of the invention, a system for sheltering apredetermined number of individuals in a hazardous environment comprisesa movable base unit, a plurality of individual breathing units, and aplurality of remote units. The movable base unit comprises a pluralityof breathable air cylinders, a manifold for distributing air from thecylinders, an air supply control system configured to control a flow ofair from the air cylinders to the manifold and to reduce an air pressureof the air from the air cylinders, and a plurality of equipment storagechambers. The manifold comprises a plurality of ports, each port havinga quick-connect fitting.

The individual breathing units, which comprise at least one breathingunit for each of the individuals, are stored within the storagechambers. Each breathing unit comprises a positive pressure full-faceair mask, a man-portable breathable air escape cylinder, a first stageregulator coupled to the escape cylinder and configured to direct airfrom either the escape cylinder or the manifold to the air mask, a maskair supply hose connecting the air mask and the first stage regulator,and a manifold air supply hose connecting the manifold and the firststage regulator, the manifold air supply hose having at least onequick-connect fitting. The air masks may comprise a nourishment port.

Each remote unit is positioned at a predefined distance from the baseunit or from another remote unit along an escape route. Each remote unitcomprises at least one man-portable breathable air escape cylinder foreach of the individuals.

The movable base unit may be sized to fit within a mine crosscut. Themovable base unit may be skid-mounted or wheel-mounted and configured tobe towable.

The manifold may comprise a fixed manifold, and the system may furthercomprise a portable manifold connected to the fixed manifold via an airsupply hose. The portable manifold comprises a plurality of ports. Themanifold air supply hose connects the portable manifold and the firststage regulator of an individual breathing unit.

The plurality of breathable air cylinders comprises a sufficient numberof cylinders to supply breathable air to the predetermined number ofindividuals for a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amountof time may be at least 96 hours to conform to mine-safety regulationsof the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The base unit may further comprise a plurality of folding chairs, atleast one folding chair for each of the individuals, stored within thestorage chambers. The base unit further may comprises, stored within thestorage chambers, potable water in individual containers configured toconnect to a drinking port in the air mask, meal replacement drinks inindividual containers configured to connect to a drinking port in theair mask, first aid supplies, and at least one light source approved tobe operated in a hazardous environment.

Each remote unit may further comprise potable water in individualcontainers configured to connect to a drinking port in the air mask,meal replacement drinks in individual containers configured to connectto a drinking port in the air mask, and first aid supplies.

In addition to the system for sheltering a predetermined number ofindividuals in a hazardous environment as described above, other aspectsof the present invention are directed to corresponding methods forsheltering a predetermined number of individuals in a hazardousenvironment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a horizontal cross-section of a mine, illustrating placementof a base unit of a system for sheltering a predetermined number ofindividuals in a hazardous environment, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base unit of a system for sheltering apredetermined number of individuals in a hazardous environment, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the base unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the base unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the base unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the base unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a back view of the base unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a skid on which the base unit of FIG. 2 may bemounted, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an air supply system of a systemfor sheltering a predetermined number of individuals in a hazardousenvironment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an air control panel of a system forsheltering a predetermined number of individuals in a hazardousenvironment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a top inside view of a remote unit of a system for shelteringa predetermined number of individuals in a hazardous environment, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

In one embodiment of the invention, a system for sheltering apredetermined number of individuals in a hazardous environment comprisesa movable base unit positioned near the working face of the mine and aplurality of remote units positioned at predefined distances along anescape route. The base unit may be skid-mounted or wheel-mounted, and istherefore readily mobile. If wheel-mounted, the base unit may be mountedon rubber tires or steel wheels to enable transport by rail. Theskid-mounted base unit may be conveyed from one mining section toanother mining section in the bucket of a mine scoop. The wheel-mountedbase unit may be towed from one mining section to another miningsection, such as behind the personnel carrier that transports theminers. This ability to be easily moved within a mine enables the baseunit to be moved as the mine face advances, such that the base unit mayalways be located near enough the working mine face to enable the minersto quickly reach the base unit in an emergency.

FIG. 1 is a horizontal cross-section of a mine 12, illustratingplacement of a base unit 10 of a system for sheltering a predeterminednumber of individuals in a hazardous environment, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. During mining operations, material isremoved from the working face 14. To prevent roof cave-in, material isleft in place at regular intervals to form support pillars 16. Spacesbetween the pillars (on an axis perpendicular to the working face) arecalled crosscuts 18. At some of the crosscuts, temporary walls are builton both open sides of the crosscut to form a “room.” A “man-door” 20 isbuilt into one of the temporary walls. Man-doors are mandated in a mine,typically at every fourth or fifth cross-cut. (For purposes of thisapplication, the room, temporary walls, and man-door will becollectively referred to as a “man-door.”) The location of the man-dooris carefully considered and always identified on maps of the mine.

The base unit may be placed in any crosscut that is in close proximityto the working face of the mine, in accordance with the mining plan ofthe individual mine. For example, the base unit 10 may be located at themost current (i.e., closest to the working face) crosscut/breakthroughat which a man-door has been constructed. The base unit, as a result ofbeing mobile and being at the most recently constructed man-door, can belocated with certainty on mine maps. This certainty enables the drillingof air holes from the surface to within a few feet of the location ofthe base unit (and presumably a majority of the miners). This is asignificant advantage over fixed, static emergency chambers. One maydrill to the location of a fixed, static emergency chamber, but thechamber may be thousands of feet from the working face where a majorityof the miners will be located.

Since the base unit is mobile, the base unit will be advanced as thesection advances allowing it to always be close to the working face of amining section. A lifeline is attached to the production side of theman-door and then to an attachment point very close to the working face.The miners can follow the lifeline to the cross-cut wherein the baseunit is stationed. Further, both audio and visual flashing lights may bepositioned at the production side of the crosscut to further assistminers to find the base unit through thick, poisonous smoke.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a base unit 10 of asystem for sheltering a predetermined number of individuals in ahazardous environment is illustrated, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. The base unit 10 comprises a breathable air systemdesigned to provide breathable air in an emergency to a predeterminednumber of miners (based on the anticipated number of miners working inthe mine at any given time) for a predetermined amount of time (based onfederal and/or state mine safety regulations). The breathable air systemis described in further detail below in conjunction with FIG. 9. FIG. 2only shows a portion of the breathable air system the plurality ofbreathable air cylinders 24. The number and capacity (which is based onsize and gas pressure) of cylinders will depend on the predeterminednumber of miners and the predetermined amount of time. Typicalconfigurations may support four, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty-four, orthirty-two miners, and cylinders may be single-, double-, ortriple-stacked. In a typical configuration, there may be two cylindersper miner to provide sufficient breathable air for ninety-six hours(more details on determining cylinder configuration are provided below).FIG. 2 illustrates sixteen cylinders. The exact layout of the cylinderswill depend on the number of cylinders and the desired maximum height ofthe base unit (the maximum height of the base unit is based on theheight of the mine seam in which the base unit will be positioned. FIG.2 illustrates a base unit that is mounted on a skid 22. Alternatively,the base unit may be mounted on wheels to be towed from one location toanother. In one exemplary embodiment, the base unit is approximately tenfeet in length and nine feet in width. The base unit may have variousheights depending on the seam height of the mine in which the base unitis to be placed. For example, a twenty-eight inch high base unit may beprovided for use in coal seams that have a ceiling height of about fortyinches, thereby giving about twelve inches of clearance between the baseunit and the mine top. In another embodiment, an eighteen inch high baseunit may be provided for use in coal seams having ceiling heights ofabout thirty inches.

The base unit 10 has a plurality of storage chambers for storingemergency supplies and for storing components of the breathable airsystem. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, there are a pluralityof side storage chambers 26. The air control panel 80 (discussed in moredetail below) is mounted in on the front of the unit. A miner 32 isshown wearing a full-face air mask (discussed in more detail below) andconnected via an air hose to the air control panel 80 to receivebreathable air. For simplicity, the miner is shown directly connected tothe air control panel rather than through a portable manifold (discussedin more detail below). Front bottom chamber 30 provides storage forlarge supplies. The storage chambers typically contain enough lowprofile, reclining mesh seats to enable all of the individuals to restwhile awaiting rescue, despite the low ceiling height of the mine. FIG.2 illustrates the miner sitting in a low profile seat. The storagechambers typically also contain adequate food (typically in the form ofcontainers of liquid nourishment and meals-ready-to-eat (MREs)) andwater for five days, medical supplies, prescription medicines for fivedays (typically in a locked chamber), fire extinguishers, fire blankets,a communications center, lights, personal convenience items, personalfloatation devices (in the event of a flooding situation), a laptopcomputer, a video monitoring system, and an air quality monitoringsystem.

It is expected that individuals may present with symptoms of physicalinjury, such as broken limbs, head trauma from concussive force orflying debris, eye injury, burns, electrical shock, and hemorrhage. Themedical supplies will include an advanced supply of first-aid andmedical survival items, medical oxygen, and folding stretchers forinjured individuals who must remain in a prone position.

The base unit may further contain a strobe and camera system to beplaced outside the crosscut. Both systems may be equipped with magnetsthat permit them to be secured to roof bolts. The camera is placedfacing the intake to enable the sheltered miners to monitor activityrelated to a rescue effort. The strobe, camera, monitor, batteries,charger, and switches are all contained within MSHA-approvedExplosion-Proof (XP) housings. All lighting is typically LED lighting,

FIG. 3 is a top view of the base unit 10 of FIG. 2, illustrating thebreathable air cylinders 24, the side storage chambers 26, the front topchamber 28, and the skid 22. Not illustrated in FIG. 3 are the air linesthat connect the air cylinders to the air control panel. FIG. 4 is aright side view of the base unit 10 of FIG. 2, illustrating thebreathable air cylinders 24, the side storage chambers 26, and the skid22. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the base unit 10 of FIG. 2,illustrating the breathable air cylinders 24, the side storage chambers26, and the skid 22. FIG. 6 is a front view of the base unit 10 of FIG.2, illustrating the front top chamber 28, the front bottom chamber 30,and the skid 22. FIG. 7 is a back view of the base unit of FIG. 2,illustrating the breathable air cylinders 24 and the skid 22.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a skid 22 on which the base unit of FIG. 2 maybe mounted, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The size,shape, and composition of the skid will vary depending on the size ofthe base unit and the number of air cylinders.

As mentioned above, the base unit 10 comprises a breathable air systemdesigned to provide breathable air in an emergency to a predeterminednumber of miners for a predetermined amount of time. In human beings,the respiratory system comprises the airways, the lungs, and therespiratory muscles that mediate the movement of air into and out of thebody. Within the alveolar system of the lungs, molecules of oxygen andcarbon dioxide are passively exchanged, by diffusion, between thegaseous environment and the blood. Thus, the respiratory systemfacilitates oxygenation of the blood with a concomitant removal ofcarbon dioxide and other gaseous metabolic wastes from the circulation.The system also helps to maintain the acid-base balance of the bodythrough the efficient removal of carbon dioxide from the blood. Themajor function of the respiratory system is gas exchange. As gasexchange occurs, the acid-base balance of the body is maintained as partof homeostasis. If proper ventilation is not maintained, two opposingconditions can occur: 1) respiratory acidosis, a life threateningcondition, and respiratory alkalosis. Upon exhalation, gas exchangeoccurs at the alveoli, the tiny sacs which are the basic functionalcomponent of the lungs. The alveolar walls are extremely thin(approximately 0.2 micrometers) and are permeable to gases. The alveoliare lined with pulmonary capillaries, the walls of which are also thinenough to permit gas exchange. All gases diffuse from the alveolar airto the blood in the pulmonary capillaries, as carbon dioxide diffuses inthe opposite direction, from capillary blood to alveolar air. At thispoint, the pulmonary blood is oxygen-rich, and the lungs are holdingcarbon dioxide. Exhalation follows, thereby ridding the body of thecarbon dioxide and completing the cycle of respiration. In an averageadult, while at rest, the lungs take up about 250 milliliters (ml) (0.25liters (1)) of oxygen every minute while expelling approximately 200 ml(0.21) of carbon dioxide. During an average breath, an adult willexchange 450 to 700 ml of air. This average breath capacity is calledtidal volume. On average, an adult may breathe from 6 to 14 completerespirations in one minute. The Mine Safety and Health Administration(MSHA) has a requirement that miners must be provided with a minimum of0.6223 liters (0.22 cubic feet (cu ft)) of oxygen per minute. Thisequals 1.32 cubic feet per hour. Converting cubic feet to liters, MSHArequired rate is 37.356 liters of oxygen per hour.

The Lifepod Emergency Shelter design incorporates the usage of cylindersof breathable air connected through a central air control system, toindividualized NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety andHealth)-certified, OSHA (Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration)-compliant, full face air mask. In essence, the maskbecomes an individual shelter for each miner, delivering fresh,uncontaminated breathable air to each miner.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an air supply system of a systemfor sheltering a predetermined number of individuals in a hazardousenvironment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The airsupply system comprises a plurality of breathable air cylinders 40 (onlytwo cylinders are illustrated in FIG. 9). Depending on the embodiment ofthe shelter being provided, the number of cylinders provided may rangefrom eight to sixty-four. In one embodiment of the invention, the aircylinders in the base unit hold 509 cubic feet of compressed air at6,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). At 28.3 liters of air per one cubicfoot, this equates to 14,405 cubic feet of breathable air per cylinder.At five liters per minute of air flow, each cylinder providesforty-eight hours continuous hours of air. Two cylinders will deliverninety-six hours of breathable air to a miner. The Department ofTransportation (DOT) certified air cylinders will typically be HC-6000Series Cylinders of computer-designed steel. These cylinders are highstrength, light weight alloy cylinders that feature higher gascapacities that allow for longer service between filling cycles.

The air cylinders are connected via a system of air lines 42. Thecylinders may be connected in series (cascaded) or in groups. The airlines may comprise rigid metal tubing, such as aluminum or stainlesssteel, or may comprise flexible tubing. Air flow from the cylinders isenabled via a valve 46, which is controlled by a switch on the aircontrol panel (discussed further below in conjunction with FIG. 10).When flowing, the high pressure air (approximately 6,000 PSI) from thecylinders is regulated down to 75-150 PSI by regulator 48. Ahigh-pressure air gauge 44 is on the upstream side of the regulator anda low-pressure air gauge 50 is on the downstream side of the regulator.The gauges will typically be glycerin-filled to prevent them frombreaking from the concussion of an explosion. From the regulator, airflows to a fixed manifold 52 that is part of the air control panel andis mounted on the front of the base unit. The manifold distributes theair from the cylinders and comprises a plurality of ports 54. Each porttypically has a quick-connect fitting that enables a quick connection tothe manifold without having to screw a connector into the manifold. Inthe illustrated embodiment, six ports are provided. Four of the portsare intended to supply air to four different portable manifolds 58, viaa flexible air supply hose 56, with two spare ports in case of amalfunction. Air supply hose 56 will typically be about twenty-five feetlong.

In the illustrated embodiment, the portable manifold has five ports 60with quick-connect fittings. Four of the ports are intended to supplyair to four different miners, via a flexible air supply hose 62, withone spare port in case of a malfunction. Air supply hose 62 willtypically be about twenty-five feet long. The number of ports on the aircontrol panel, the number of portable manifolds, and the number of portson each portable manifold are selected to enable the predeterminednumber of miners to receive air from the air supply system and toprovide a desired number of spare ports in case of a malfunction.Additional ports may also be provided in case more miners than expectedare in the mine and in need of breathable air. In such a situation, thebreathable air will not last as long as anticipated. Additionally, extrafull-face masks may be stored in the storage chambers to handle such asituation.

In one embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), the miner mayconnect a full-face air mask directly to a port of a portable manifoldvia an air supply hose. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality ofindividual breathing units 64 are stored in the base unit. There istypically at least one breathing unit for each of the individuals andone or more spare units. Each breathing unit comprises a positivepressure full-face air mask 74 (with a second stage regulator 75), aman-portable breathable air escape cylinder 66, a first stage regulator68 coupled to the escape cylinder, a mask air supply hose 72 forconnecting the air mask to the first stage regulator, and a manifold airsupply hose 70 for connecting the first stage regulator to a portablemanifold. While FIG. 9 illustrates connecting the first stage regulator68 to the portable manifold using two air hoses (62 and 70), thisconnection may alternatively be accomplished using a single air hose.Although not illustrated, each individual breathing units 64 willtypically comprise a shoulder harness to enable the miners to carrythem.

The first stage regulator 68 is coupled to the escape cylinder andconfigured to direct air from either the escape cylinder or the manifoldto the air mask. The first stage regulator 68 typically receives airfrom the escape cylinder at up to 3000 PSI. When the escape cylinder isused, the regulator reduces the pressure from 3000 PSI down to about75-125 PSI, which is then fed to the second stage regulator 75 on theface mask. The second stage regulator provides air at approximately 0.5inches of water pressure (positive pressure above ambient pressure)inside the face mask of the user. The manifold air supply hose 70 hangsloose from the first stage regulator when not connected to a manifoldand has a one-way check valve to allow air to flow into the open end ofthe hose but not out of the open end of the hose. The escape cylinder 66has an on/off valve (not illustrated) with a pressure gauge (notillustrated) to show cylinder pressure. The valve is left in the offposition when being used with supplied air from a large cylinder (i.e.,when connected to a manifold). When it becomes necessary or desirable tono longer “shelter in place” but to attempt to exit the mine, the escapecylinder valve would be opened and the first stage regulator would bedisconnected from the manifold. The individual breathing units enablethe miners to move away from the base unit but still have safe,breathable air.

The full-face air mask is essentially the individual shelter of theminer. The mask provides each miner with the ability to be mobile to anextent. Hours of immobility of muscles, high humidity, and lack of foodand water can contribute to harm or kill a miner. The mobility providedby the present invention also enables a miner to perform bodilyfunctions.

Air circulates within the face mask to minimize fogging and reducecarbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) buildup. The mask has twoone-way valves through which air is inhaled. Exhaled air is directedthrough a valve under the oral-nasal pocket, limiting the mixing of thisair with the fresh air from the regulator. The pneumatically balancedsecond stage provides consistent ease of breath at any cylinderpressure. An inhalation adjustment feature allows the miner to controlair delivery under a variety of situations.

Embodiments of the invention utilize a full-face air mask that is aNIOSH-approved SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) mask with a HipPak escape cylinder; and optionally may utilize a SCUBA (self-containedunderwater breathing apparatus) full face mask that that is underwaterrated. By providing NIOSH-approved underwater-rated full-face air masksand personal floatation devices, embodiments of the invention make itpossible for individuals to survive while awaiting rescue underwater ina flooded mine.

Each full face mask is designed to be compatible with a multi-channel,single sideband communications device which includes a voice operatedtransmitter, four channels, earphone volumes, and squelch to enablecommunication among the miners. Each full face mask has a drinking portwhich allows a miner to receive water and liquid-based nourishmentwithout endangering himself to toxic air by removing his full face maskto receive solid-based food. The full face masks accommodatequick-connect air line couplings. Each individual miner will be fittedfor his/her own mask size and will be fully in-serviced on the safe,effective and efficient usage of the mask and its various attachments ashereinbefore described. A plurality of masks having different sizes willbe maintained in the system storage compartments.

Once the miners have donned their masks and receiving breathable air,the miners can access the low profile, reclining mesh folding chairs (orin low coal seams, a cushioned pad) and wait for rescue. The individualair hoses may be strung along roof bolts, using magnetic hooks, tobetter distribute miners in the crosscut shelter and so that the hosesare kept above the men's feet and are not subject to being damaged.When/if the conditions are good in the shelter, the miners can stopreceiving air from the cylinders. They have the option of removing themasks or they may simply disconnect the second stage and breathe throughthe front opening of the mask.

Current mine technology only permits a miner to utilize a one-hour-ratedself-contained self-rescuer which utilizes a chemical reaction togenerate a one hour supply of oxygen. Each miner is given two suchdevices, and additional such devices are spread throughout the minealong exit routes (if the miners are able to reach them). Embodiments ofthe invention enable miners to remain in a secure location with four tofive days of breathable air without having to search through the mine inhazardous conditions to locate additional caches of one-hour-ratedchemical-based rescue devices.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of an air control panel of asystem for sheltering a predetermined number of individuals in ahazardous environment is illustrated, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. The air control panel 80 enables the miners toactivate the air supply system. The air control panel also providesconnections to enable connection of the portable manifolds to the fixedmanifold to enable air flow to the portable manifold and ultimately tothe miners. The air control panel is typically affixed (e.g., bolted) tothe front portion of the front top chamber. The front top chamber istypically approximately twelve inches deep to provide sufficient spaceto attach the rigid metal air lines to the back of the air controlpanel.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the air control panel 80 comprises a highpressure air gauge 44 and a low pressure air gauge 50 to enable theminers to verify the air pressures. The air control panel furthercomprises an on/off switch 82 that activates valve 46 to enable air flowfrom the cylinders. Several quick-connect ports 54 are provided (six areillustrated) for connecting the portable manifolds.

The breathable air cylinders in the base unit may be refilled asnecessary. To facilitate this, the air control panel has a refill port84 and a refill on/off switch 86 to direct air flowing into the refillport to the cylinders. The required air tubing and valves for such arefill operation are not illustrated.

Embodiments of the invention provide a shelter at which miners canreceive needed breathable air, food, water, and rest. Additionally, theshelter enables the miners to “get their bearings,” ascertain the numberand condition of miners in the shelter (physically and emotionally),monitor the post-event conditions of the mine, and develop a plan toextricate themselves from the mine. The Lifepod gives the miner bothrefuge from an IDLH (immediate danger to life and health) situation, andthe ability to remove himself/herself to safety. To accomplish the exitfrom the mine, a plurality of remote units are positioned at predefineddistances along an escape route. Each remote unit comprises a pluralityof replacement escape cylinders (at least one escape cylinder for eachof the individuals), food, water, and first-aid supplies. The remoteunits provide food and water needs along the escape route to keep minersnourished and hydrated, as well as provide them with additionalbreathable air. These replacement cylinders will typically be aluminumcylinders or cylinders manufactured from aluminum liners with carbonfiber wrapping.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a top inside view of a remote unit of a systemfor sheltering a predetermined number of individuals in a hazardousenvironment is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The remote unit 90 of FIG. 11 contains a predetermined numberof replacement cylinders 92 and a storage chamber 94 for storing food,water, and first aid supplies.

It has been estimated that a miner can walk about one mile in one hourin a mine with a height of at least fifty-five inches. With theconditions in a post-explosive event, this is most likely going to besignificantly diminished. Embodiments of the invention provide remoteunits at intervals not to exceed 2,600 feet from the shelter or fromanother remote unit. This distance provides a fifty percent safetyfactor. Each remote unit includes the amount of cylinders necessary tomeet the needs of the miners based on the shelter design capacity.

Individual mine plans may enable a mine operation to locate a remoteunit in a location that is accessible to more than one mine section.Such a remote unit may comprise enough replacement cylinders to meet theneeds of miners from two or more different base units. This enable minerfrom two or more mining sections to converge on one remote unit and beassured that the remote unit will contain an adequate number ofreplacement cylinders.

Known systems for sheltering miners include the use of inflatableshelters that use 100% oxygen to maintain a safe, breathable atmospherefor miners sheltering within the inflatable shelter. The inflatableshelters initially fill the shelter with breathable air (21% oxygen) topurge dangerous gases that may have entered the shelter as it was beinginflated. Then, as the carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels rise in the inflatedshelter, lithium hydroxide curtains absorb the CO₂, and pure (100%)oxygen is introduced into the shelter in maintain the internal oxygenlevel at a minimum of 19%. When oxygen is stored in compressed gascylinders in the wet, damp environment of a coal mine it has thepotential to be extremely hazardous. Such environmental conditionsincrease the likelihood of the cylinders developing leaks, eitherthrough the cylinder wall, the valve seat, or the high pressure safetydisc that is present in every valve. These cylinders are typicallypainted supply gas cylinders made of thin-walled steel, and thereforeare may be especially prone to developing leaks. A leak in such acylinder can result in the pure oxygen draining from the cylinder inseconds. The introduction of 100% oxygen to an area with highconcentrations of carbon monoxide and other hydrocarbons (e.g., coaldust) is very dangerous within a mine. Pure oxygen is dangerous becauseit supports combustion. While every attempt is made to eliminate sourcesof ignition within a mine, sparks can and do occur. The occurrence of aspark in an enclosed space that has been flooded with pure oxygen couldbe catastrophic. In contrast, embodiments of the present invention usecylinders of breathable air comprising only about 21% oxygen, and a leakof such breathable air would be considerably less hazardous.

While embodiments of the invention are describe herein in conjunctionwith underground mining applications, it should be appreciated thatembodiments of the invention may be used in aboveground emergencysituations that require secure shelter, breathable air, food, and wateron an immediate basis.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

1. A system for sheltering a predetermined number of individuals in ahazardous environment, the system comprising: a movable base unitcomprising: a plurality of breathable air cylinders; a manifold fordistributing air from the cylinders, the manifold comprising a pluralityof ports, each port having a quick-connect fitting; an air supplycontrol system configured to control a flow of air from the aircylinders to the manifold and to reduce an air pressure of the air fromthe air cylinders; and a plurality of equipment storage chambers; aplurality of individual breathing units stored within at least some ofthe storage chambers, the plurality comprising at least one breathingunit for each of the individuals, each breathing unit comprising: apositive pressure full-face air mask; a man-portable breathable airescape cylinder; a first stage regulator coupled to the escape cylinderand configured to direct air from either the escape cylinder or themanifold to the air mask; a mask air supply hose connecting the air maskand the first stage regulator; and a manifold air supply hose connectingthe manifold and the first stage regulator, the manifold air supply hosehaving at least one quick-connect fitting; and a plurality of remoteunits, each remote unit being positioned at a predefined distance fromthe base unit or from another remote unit along an escape route, eachremote unit comprising: a plurality of man-portable breathable airescape cylinders, the plurality comprising at least one escape cylinderfor each of the individuals.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein themovable base unit is sized to fit within a mine crosscut.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the movable base unit is skid-mounted orwheel-mounted and configured to be towable.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the manifold comprises a fixed manifold, wherein the systemfurther comprises a portable manifold connected to the fixed manifoldvia an air supply hose, the portable manifold comprising a plurality ofports, and wherein the manifold air supply hose connects the portablemanifold and the first stage regulator.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the air masks comprise a nourishment port.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of breathable air cylinders comprise asufficient number of cylinders to supply breathable air to thepredetermined number of individuals for a predetermined amount of time.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined amount of time is atleast 96 hours to conform to mine-safety regulations of the Mine Safetyand Health Administration.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the baseunit further comprises: a plurality of folding chairs stored within atleast some of the storage chambers, the plurality comprising at leastone folding chair for each of the individuals.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the base unit further comprises, stored within at least some ofthe storage chambers: potable water in individual containers configuredto connect to a drinking port in the air mask; meal replacement drinksin individual containers configured to connect to a drinking port in theair mask; first aid supplies; and at least one light source approved tobe operated in a hazardous environment.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein each remote unit further comprises: potable water in individualcontainers configured to connect to a drinking port in the air mask;meal replacement drinks in individual containers configured to connectto a drinking port in the air mask; and first aid supplies.
 11. A methodfor sheltering individuals in a hazardous environment, the methodcomprising: providing a movable, skid-mounted base unit comprising: aplurality of breathable air cylinders; a manifold for distributing airfrom the cylinders, the manifold comprising a plurality of ports, eachport having a quick-connect fitting; an air supply control systemconfigured to control a flow of air from the air cylinders to themanifold and to reduce an air pressure of the air from the aircylinders; and a plurality of equipment storage chambers; providing aplurality of individual breathing units stored within at least some ofthe storage chambers, the plurality comprising at least one breathingunit for each of the individuals, each breathing unit comprising: apositive pressure full-face air mask; a man-portable breathable airescape cylinder; a first stage regulator coupled to the escape cylinderand configured to direct air from either the escape cylinder or themanifold to the air mask; a mask air supply hose connecting the air maskand the first stage regulator; and a manifold air supply hose connectingthe manifold and the first stage regulator, the manifold air supply hosehaving at least one quick-connect fitting; and providing a plurality ofremote units, each remote unit being positioned at a predefined distancefrom the base unit or from another remote unit along an escape route,each remote unit comprising: a plurality of man-portable breathable airescape cylinders, the plurality comprising at least one escape cylinderfor each of the individuals.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein themovable base unit is sized to fit within a mine crosscut.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein the movable base unit is skid-mounted orwheel-mounted and configured to be towable.
 14. The method of claim 11,wherein the manifold comprises a fixed manifold, wherein the systemfurther comprises a portable manifold connected to the fixed manifoldvia an air supply hose, the portable manifold comprising a plurality ofports, and wherein the manifold air supply hose connects the portablemanifold and the first stage regulator.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein the air masks comprise a nourishment port.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of breathable air cylinders comprise asufficient number of cylinders to supply breathable air to thepredetermined number of individuals for a predetermined amount of time.17. The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined amount of time isat least 96 hours to conform to mine-safety regulations of the MineSafety and Health Administration.
 18. The method of claim 11, whereinthe base unit further comprises: a plurality of folding chairs storedwithin at least some of the storage chambers, the plurality comprisingat least one folding chair for each of the individuals.
 19. The methodof claim 11, wherein the base unit farther comprises, stored within atleast some of the storage chambers: potable water in individualcontainers configured to connect to a drinking port in the air mask;meal replacement drinks in individual containers configured to connectto a drinking port in the air mask; first aid supplies; and at least onelight source approved to be operated in a hazardous environment.
 20. Themethod of claim 11, wherein each remote unit further comprises; potablewater in individual containers configured to connect to a drinking portin the air mask; meal replacement drinks in individual containersconfigured to connect to a drinking port in the air mask; and first aidsupplies.